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COMUS, A MASKE, BY JOHN MILTON; PRINTED 
 FROM THE ORIGINAL EDITION OF 1637. 
 
Copyright 1902 
 ByH.M.O'Kane 
 
^^ 
 
 WM 
 
 ilA 
 
 Ci 
 
COMUS 
 
 MASKE 
 
 SBYS 
 
 JOHN 
 
 MILTON 
 
THE PERSONS 
 THE ATTEND^ 
 ANT SPIRIT AF- 
 TERWARDS IN 
 THE HABIT OF 
 
 THYRSIS^^SS 
 COMUS WITH 
 HIS CREWg^ 
 THE LADYc^S? 
 FIRST BROTHER 
 SECOND BROTHER 
 SABRINA THE 
 NYMPH ^S^^ 
 
«. 
 
 
 ♦1 
 
A MASKE 
 
 Presented 
 
 At Ludlow Castle, 
 
 1634: 
 
 On Michaelmasse night, before the 
 Right Honorable, 
 
 lOHN Earle of Bridgewatcr, Vicount BRACKLY, 
 
 Lord Praesident of Wales, And one of 
 
 His Maiesties most honorable 
 
 Privie Coimsell. 
 
 Ehen quid volui misero mihi! 
 floribus austrum Perditus — 
 
 London, 
 
 Printed for HVMPHREY ROBINSON, 
 
 At the signe of the Three Pidgeons in 
 
 Pauls Church-yard. 1637. 
 
THE EPISTLE DEDICATORIE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT 
 
 Honorable, 
 
 lOHN Lord Vicount BRACLY, 
 
 Son and heire apparent to the Earle 
 
 of Bridgewater, Sec. 
 
 MY LORD, 
 
 This Poem, which received its first occasion of birth 
 from your selfe, and others of your noble familie, 
 and much honour from your own Person in the per- 
 formance, now returns againe to make a finall dedi- 
 cation of it selfe to you. Although not openly ac- 
 knowledg'd by the Author, yet it is a legitimate off- 
 spring, so lovely, and so much desired, that the often 
 copying of it hath tir'd my pen to give my severall 
 friends satisfaction, and brought me to a necessitie 
 of producing it to the publick view; and now to offer 
 it up in all rightfuU devotion to those faire hopes, and 
 rare Endowments of your much-promising Youth, 
 which give a full assurance, to all that know you, 
 of a future excellence. Live sweet Lord to be the 
 honour of your Name, and receive this as your o wne, 
 from the hands of him, who hath by many feivours 
 beene long obhg'd to your most honour 'd Parents, 
 and as in this reprsesentation your attendant Thyrsis, 
 so now in all reall expression 
 
 Your faithfull, and most 
 
 humble Servant, 
 
 H. LAWES. 
 
A MASKE PERFORMED BEFORE THE PRiES- COM US 
 
 IDENT OF WALES AT LUDLOW. 1634. THE A AUske 
 
 FIRSTSCENEDISCOVERSA WILD WOOD. THE 
 ATTENDANT SPIRIT DESCENDS OR ENTERS. 
 BEFORE the starric threshold of Jovcs Court 
 My mansion is, where those immortall shapes 
 Of bright aereall Spirits live insphear'd 
 In Regions mild of calme and serene aire, 
 Above the smoake and stirre of this dim spot 
 Which men call Earth, and with low-thoughted care 
 Confin'd, and pester'd in this pin-fold here, 
 Strive to keepe up a fraile, and feaverish being 
 Unmindfull of the crowne that Vertue gives 
 After this mortall change to her true Servants 
 Amongst the enthron'd gods on Sainted seats. 
 Yet some there be that by due steps aspire 
 To lay their just hands on that golden key 
 That opes the palace of iEternity: 
 To such my errand is, and but for such 
 I would not soile these pure ambrosial weeds 
 With the ranck vapours of this Sin-worne mould. 
 (§^ But to my task. Neptune besides the sway 
 Of every salt Flood, and each ebbing Streame 
 Tooke in my lot 'twixt high, and neather Jove 
 Imperial rule of all the Sea-girt lies 
 That like to rich, and various gemms inlay 
 The unadorned bosome of the Deepe, 
 Which he to grace his tributarie gods 
 By course commits to severall government 
 And gives them leave to weare their Saphire crowns, 
 And weild their little tridents, but this lie 
 The greatest, and the best of all the maine 
 He quarters to his blu-hair'd deities. 
 And all this tract that fronts the falling Sun 
 A noble Peere of mickle trust, and power 
 Has in his charge, with temper'd awe to guide 
 An old, and haughtie Nation proud in Armes: 
 Where his faire off-spring nurs't in Princely lore 
 
 1 
 
COMUS Arc comming to attend their Fathers state, 
 A Maske And new-entrusted Scepter, but their way 
 
 Lies through the perplex't paths of this dreare wood, 
 The nodding horror of whose shadie brows 
 Threats the forlorne and wandring Passinger. 
 And here their tender age might suffer perill 
 But that by quick command from Sovcraigne Jove 
 I was dispatcht for their defence, and guard, 
 And listen why, for I will tell yee now 
 What never yet was heard in Tale or Song 
 From old, or moderne Bard in hall or bowrc. 
 iSS Bacchus that first from out the purple Grape 
 Cmsh't the sweet poyson of mis-used Wine 
 After the Tuscan Mariners transform'd 
 Coasting, the Tyrrhene shore, as the winds listed, 
 On Circes Hand fell (who knowes not Circe 
 The daughter of the Sun? whose charmed Cup 
 Whoever tasted lost his upright shape. 
 And downward fell into a grovling S%nne) 
 This Nymph that gaz'd upon his clustring locks 
 With Ivie berries wreath'd, and his blith youth 
 Had by him, ere he parted thence, a Son 
 Much like his Father, but his Mother more, 
 Whom therefore she brought up and Comus nam'd. 
 Who ripe, and frolick of his full growne age 
 Roaving the Ccltick, and Iberian fields 
 At last betakes him to this ominous wood. 
 And in thick shelter of black shades imbowr'd 
 Excells his Mother at her mightie Art 
 Offring to every wearie Travailer 
 His orient liquor in a Chrystall glasse 
 To quench the drouth of Phoebus, which as they tast 
 (For most doe taste through fond intemperate thirst) 
 Soone as the Potion works, their humane count nance 
 Th' expresse resemblance of the gods is chang'd 
 Into some brutish forme of Wolfe, or Beare 
 Or Ounce, or Tiger, Hog, or bearded Goat, 
 All other parts remaining as they were, 
 2 
 
And they, so perfect in their miserie, COMUS 
 
 Not once perceive their foule disfigurement, A Maske 
 
 But boast themselves more comely then before 
 
 And all their friends; and native home forget 
 
 To roule with pleasure in a sensuaU stie. 
 
 Therefore when any favour'd of high Jove 
 
 Chances to passe through this adventrous glade, 
 
 Swift as the Sparkle of a glancing Starre 
 
 I shoote from heav n, to give him safe convoy, 
 
 As now I doe: but first I must put off 
 
 These my skie robes spun out of Iris wooffe, 
 
 And take the weeds and likenesse of a Swaine, 
 
 That to the service of this house belongs, 
 
 Who with his soft Pipe, and smooth-dittied Song, 
 
 Well knows to still the wild winds when they roare. 
 
 And hush the waving woods, nor of lesse faith, 
 
 And in this office of his Mountaine watch, 
 
 Likeliest, and neerest to the present aide 
 
 Of this occasion. But I heare the tread 
 
 Of hatefuU steps, I must be viewlesse now. 
 
 Comus enters with a Charming rod in one hand, his 
 Glasse in the other, with him a rout of Monsters 
 headed like sundry sorts of wilde Beasts, but other- 
 wise like Men and Women, their apparell glistring, 
 they come iu [inj making a riotous and unruly noise, 
 with Torches in their hands. 
 
 COMUS. The starre that bids the Shepheard fold, 
 
 Now the top of heav'n doth hold. 
 
 And the gilded Carre of Day 
 
 His glowing Axle doth allay, 
 
 In the steepe Atlantik streame. 
 
 And the slope Sun his upward beame 
 
 Shoots against the duskie Pole, 
 
 Pacing toward the other gole 
 
 Of his Chamber in the East. 
 
 Meane while welcome Joy, and Feast, 
 
 Midnight shout, and revelrie, 
 
 3 
 
COMUS Tipsic dance, and Jollitic. 
 
 A Maske Braid your Locks with rosic Twine, 
 Dropping odours, dropping Wine. 
 Rigor now is gone to bed, 
 And Advice with scrupulous head, 
 Strict Age, and sowrc Scvcritie 
 With their grave Sawes in slumber lie. 
 We that are of purer fire, 
 Immitate the starrie quire. 
 Who in their nightly watchfuU Spheares, 
 Lead in swift round the Months and Yeares. 
 The Sounds, and Seas with all their finnie drove. 
 Now to the Moone in wavering Morrice move, 
 And on the tawny sands and shelves, 
 Trip the pert Fairies and the dapper Elves; 
 By dimpled Brooke, and Fountaine brim. 
 The Wood-nymphs deckt with daisies trim, 
 Their merry wakes, and pastimes keepe, 
 What hath night to doe with sleepe? 
 Night hath better sweets to prove, 
 Venus now wakes, and wakens Love. 
 Come let us our rights begin 
 Tis onely day-light that makes Sin 
 Which these dun shades will ne're report. 
 Haile Goddesse of Noctumall sport 
 Dark-vaild Cotytto, t' whom the secret flame 
 Of mid-night Torches burnes; mysterious Dame 
 That ne're at [art] calld, but when the Dragon woome 
 Of Stygian darknesse spets her thickest gloome 
 And makes one blot of all the aire. 
 Stay thy clowdic Ebon chaire, 
 Wherein thou rid'st with Hecat', and befriend 
 Us thy vow'd Priests, till utmost end 
 Of all thy dues be done, and none left out 
 Ere the blabbing Easteme scout 
 The nice Morne on th' Indian steepe 
 From her cabin'd loop hole peepe, 
 And to the tel-tale Sun discry 
 4 
 
Wur conccal'd Solemnity. COMUS 
 
 Come, knit hands, and beate the ground A Maske 
 
 In a light fantastick round. 
 
 THE MEASURE. 
 
 Breake off, breake off, I feele the different pace 
 
 Of some chast footing neere about this ground, 
 
 Run to your shrouds, within these Brakes, and Trees 
 
 Our number may affright: Some Virgin sure 
 
 (For so I can distinguish by mine Art) 
 
 Benighted in these woods. Now to my charmes 
 
 And to my wilie trains, I shall ere long 
 
 Be well stock't with as faire a Heard as graz'd 
 
 About my Mother Circe. Thus I hurle 
 
 My dazling Spells into the spungie aire 
 
 Of power to cheate the eye with bleare illusion, 
 
 And give it false presentments, lest the place 
 
 And my queint habits breed astonishment, 
 
 And put the Damsel to suspicious flight. 
 
 Which must not be, for that's against my course; 
 
 I under faire praetents of friendly ends, 
 
 And wel plac't words of glozing courtesie 
 
 Baited with reasons not unplausible 
 
 Wind me into the easie hearted man, 
 
 And hug him into snares; when once her eye 
 
 Hath met the vertue of this Magick dust, 
 
 I shall appeare some harmlesse Villager 
 
 Whom thrift keepes up about his Country geare 
 
 But here she comes, I fairly step aside 
 
 And hearken, if I may, her businesse here. 
 
 THE LADIE ENTERS. 
 
 This way the noise was, if mine eare be true 
 My best guide now, me thought it was the sound 
 Of Riot, and ill manag'd Merriment, 
 Such as the jocond Flute, or gamesome Pipe 
 Stirs up among the loose unleter'd Hinds 
 When for their teeming Flocks, and granges full 
 
 5 
 
COMUS In wanton dance they praise the bounteous Pan, 
 A Maske And thanke the gods amisse. I should be loath 
 To meet the nidenesse, and swill'd insolence 
 Of such late Wassailers; yet 6 [oh] where else 
 Shall I informe my unacquainted feet 
 In the blind mazes of this tangled wood? 
 My Brothers when they saw me wearied out 
 With this long way, resolving here to lodge 
 Under the spreading favour of these Pines 
 Stept as they se'd to the next Thicket side 
 To bring me Berries, or such cooling fruit 
 As the kind hospitable woods provide. 
 They left me then, when the gray-hooded Ev'n 
 Like a sad Votarist in Palmer weeds 
 Rose from the hindmost wheels of Phoebus waine. 
 But where they are, and why they came not back 
 Is now the labour of my thoughts, 'tis likeliest 
 They had ingag'd their wandring steps too far. 
 And envious darknesse, ere they could retume, 
 Had stolne them from me, else 6 [oh] theevish Night 
 Why shouldst thou, but for some fellonious end 
 In thy darke lanteme thus close up the Stars, 
 That nature hung in Heav n, and fill'd their lamps 
 With everlasting oile to give due light 
 To the misled, and lonely Travailer. 
 This is the place, as well as I may goesse 
 Whence even now the tumult of loud Mirth 
 Was rife, and perfect in my listening eare. 
 Yet nought but single darknesse doe I find, 
 What might this be? a thousand fantasies 
 Begin to throng into my memorie 
 Of calling shapes, and beckning shadows dire. 
 And ayrie tongues, that syllable mens names 
 On Sands, and Shoars, and desert Wildernesses. 
 These thoughts may startle well, but not astound 
 The vertuous mind, that ever walks attended 
 By a strong siding champion Conscience. — 
 O welcome pure-ey'd Faith, white-handed Hope 
 6 
 
Thou flittering Angel girt with golden wings, COMUS 
 
 And thou unblemish't forme of Chastitie A Maske 
 
 I see yee visibly, and now beleeve 
 
 That he, the Supreme good, t' whom all things ill 
 
 Are but as slavish officers of vengeance 
 
 Would send a glistring Guardian if need were 
 
 To keepe my life, and honour unassail'd. 
 
 Was I deceiv'd, or did a sable cloud 
 
 Turne forth her silver lining on the night? 
 
 I did not erre, there does a sables cloud 
 
 Turne forth her silver lining on the night 
 
 And casts a gleame over this tufted Grove. 
 
 I cannot hallow to my Brothers, but 
 
 Such noise as I can make to be heard fardest 
 
 He venter, for my new enliv'nd spirits 
 
 Prompt me; and they perhaps are not farre off. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Sweet echo, sweetest Nymph that liv'st unseene 
 Within thy ayrie shell 
 
 By slow Meander's margent greene, 
 And in the violet-imbroider'd vale 
 
 Where the love-lorne Nightingale 
 Nightly to thee her sad Song moumeth well. 
 
 Canst thou not tell me of a gentle Paire 
 That likest thy Narcissus are? 
 
 O if thou have 
 Hid them in some flowrie Cave, 
 Tell me but where 
 Sweet Queene of Parlie, Daughter of the Sphare, 
 So maist thou be translated to the skies, 
 And give resounding grace to all Heav'ns Harmonies. 
 
 COMUS. Can any mortall mixture of Earths mould 
 Breath such Divine inchanting ravishment? 
 Sure something holy lodges in that brest, 
 And with these raptures moves the vocal aire 
 To testifie his hidden residence; 
 
 7 
 
COMUS How sweetly did they float upon the wings 
 A Maske Of Silence, through the emptie-vaulted night 
 At every fall smoothing the Raven downe 
 Of darknesse till she smil'd: I have oft heard 
 My mother Circe with the Sirens three 
 Amidst the flowrie-kirtl'd Naiades 
 Culling their Potent hearbs, and balefull drugs 
 Who as they sung, would take the prison'd soule 
 And lap it in Elysium, Scylla wept, 
 And chid her barking waves into attention, 
 And fell Charybdis murmur'd soft applause: 
 Yet they in pleasing slumber luU'd the sense 
 And in sweet madnesse rob^d it of it selfe, 
 But such a sacred, and home-felt delight, 
 Such sober certainty of waking blisse 
 I never heard till now. He speak to her 
 And she shall be my Queene. Haile forreine wonder 
 Whom certaine these rough shades did never breed 
 Unlesse the Goddesse that in rurall shrine 
 Dwell'st here with Pan, or Silvan, by blest Song 
 Forbidding every bleake unkindly Fog 
 To touch the prosperous growth of this tall wood. 
 LADIE. Nay gentle Shepherd ill is lost that praise 
 That is addrest to unattending Eares, 
 Not any boast of skill, but extreame shift 
 How to regaine my fever'd companie 
 Compell'd me to awake the courteous Echo 
 To give me answer from her mossie Couch. 
 COMUS. What chance good Ladie hath bereft you thus? 
 LADIE. Dim darknesse, and this leavie Labyrinth. 
 COMUS. Could that divide you from neere-usheringguidcs? 
 LADIE. They left me weary on a grassie terfe. 
 COMUS. By falsehood, or discourtesie, or why? 
 LADIE. To seeke i'th vally some coole friendly Spring. 
 COMUS. And left your faire side all unguarded Ladie? 
 LADIE. They were but twaine, & purpos'd quick return. 
 COMUS. Perhaps fore-stalling night praevented them. 
 LADIE. How easie my misfortune is to hit! 
 8 
 
COMUS. Imports their lossc, beside the praesent need? COMUS 
 
 LADIE. No lesse then if I should my brothers lose. A. Maske 
 
 COMUS. Were they of manly prime, or youthful bloom? 
 
 LADIE. As smooth as Hebe's their unrazor'd lips. 
 
 COMUS. Two such I saw, what time the labour d Oxe 
 
 In his loose traces from the furrow came. 
 
 And the swink't hedger at his Supper sate; 
 
 I saw them under a greene mantling vine 
 
 That crawls along the side of yon small hill, 
 
 Plucking ripe clusters from the tender shoots, 
 
 Their port was more then humaine; as they stood, 
 
 I tooke it for a faerie vision 
 
 Of some gay creatures of the element 
 
 That in the colours of the Rainbow live 
 
 And play i'th plighted clouds, I was aw-strooke, 
 
 And as I past, I worshipt; if those you seeke 
 
 It were a journey like the path to heav n 
 
 To helpe you find them. 
 
 LADIE. Gentle villager 
 
 What readiest way would bring me to that place? 
 
 COMUS. Due west it rises from this shrubbie point 
 
 LADIE. To find out that good shepheard I suppose 
 
 In such a scant allowance of starre light 
 
 Would overtask the best land-pilots art 
 
 Without the sure guesse of well-practiz'd feet. 
 
 COMUS. I know each lane, and every alley greene 
 
 Dingle, or bushie dell of this wild wood. 
 
 And every boskie bourne from side to side 
 
 My daylie walks and ancient neighbourhood, 
 
 And if your stray attendance be yet lodg'd 
 
 Or shroud within these limits, I shall know 
 
 Ere morrow wake, or the low-roosted larke 
 
 From her thach't palate rowse, if otherwise 
 
 I can conduct you Ladie to a low 
 
 But loyall cottage, where you may be safe 
 
 Till further quest.' 
 
 LADIE. Shepheard I take thy word, 
 
 And trust thy honest offer'd courtesie, 
 
 9 
 
COMUS Which oft is sooner found in lowly sheds 
 A Maske With smoakie rafters, then in tapstrie halls, 
 
 And courts of Princes, where it first was nam'd, 
 
 And yet is most prsetended: in a place 
 
 Lesse warranted then this, or lesse secure 
 
 I cannot be, that I should feare to change it, 
 
 Eye me blest Providence, and square my triall 
 
 To my proportion'd strength. Shepheard lead on. — 
 
 THE TWO BROTHERS. 
 
 ELD. BRO. Unmuffle yee faint stars, and thou fair moon 
 That wontst to love the travailers b^iizon 
 Stoope thy pale visage through an amber cloud 
 And disinherit Chaos, that raigns here 
 In double night of darknesse, and of shades; 
 Or if your influence be quite damm d up 
 With black usurping mists, some gentle taper 
 Though a rush candle from a wicker hole 
 Of some clay habitation visit us 
 With thy long levelled rule of streaming light 
 And thou shalt be our starre of Arcadie 
 Or Tyrian Cynosure. 
 SEC. BRO. Or if our eyes 
 Be barr'd that happinesse, might we but heare 
 The folded flocks pen'd in their watled cotes. 
 Or sound of pastoral reed with oaten stops, 
 Or whistle from the Lodge, or village cods 
 Count the night watches to his featherie Dames, 
 T' would be some solace yet, some little chearing 
 In this close dungeon of innumerous bowes. 
 But 6 [oh] that haple&se virgin our lost sister 
 Where may she wander now, whether betake her 
 From the chill dew, amongst rude burs and thistles? 
 Perhaps some cold banke is her boulster now 
 Or 'gainst the rugged barke of some broad Elme 
 Leans her unpillow'd head fraught with sad fears. 
 What if in wild amazement, and affright 
 Or while we speake within the direfuU graspe 
 10 
 
Of Savage hunger, or of Savage heat? COMUS 
 
 ELD. BRO Peace brother, be not over exquisite A Maske 
 
 To cast the fashion of uncertaine evils, 
 For grant they be so, while they rest onknowne 
 What need a man forestall his date of gricfe 
 And run to meet what he would most avoid? 
 Or if they be but false alarms of Fearc 
 How bitter is such selfe-delusion? 
 I doe not thinke my sister so to seeke 
 Or so unprincipl'd in vertues book 
 And the sweet peace that goodnesse bosoms ever 
 As that the single want of light, and noise 
 (Not being in danger, as I trust she is not) 
 Could stir the constant mood of her calme thoughts 
 And put them into mis-becomming plight. 
 Vertue could see to doe what vertue would 
 By her owne radiant light, though Sun and Moon 
 Were in the flat Sea sunck, and Wisdoms selfe 
 Oft seeks to sweet retired Solitude 
 Where with her best nurse Contemplation 
 She plumes her feathers, and lets grow her wings 
 That in the various bustle of resort 
 Were all to ruffl'd, and sometimes impair'd. 
 He that has light within his owne cleere brest 
 May sit i' th center, and enjoy bright day, 
 But he that hides a darke soule, and foule thoughts 
 Benighted walks under the mid-day Sun, 
 Himselfe is his owne dungeon. 
 SEC. BRO. 'Tis most true 
 That musing meditation most affects 
 The Pensive secrecie of desert cell 
 Farre from the cheerefull haunt of men, and heards, 
 And sits as safe as in a Senat house 
 For who would rob an Hermit of his weeds 
 His few books, or his beades, or maple dish. 
 Or doe his gray hairs any violence? 
 But beautie like the faire Hesperian tree 
 Laden with blooming gold, had need the guard 
 
 11 
 
COMUS Of dragon watch with tininchanted eye 
 A Maske To save her blossoms, and defend her fruit 
 From the rash hand of bold Incontinence. 
 You may as well spread out the unsun'd heaps 
 Of misers treasure by an outlaws den 
 And tell me it is safe, as bid me hope 
 Danger will winke on opportunitie 
 And let a single helplesse mayden passe 
 Uninjur'd in this wild surrounding wast 
 Of night, or lonelynesse it recks me not 
 I feare the dred events that dog them both, 
 Lest some ill greeting touch attempt the person 
 Of our unowned sister. 
 ELD. BRO. I doe not brother 
 Inferre, as if I thought my sisters state 
 Secure without all doubt, or controversie: 
 Yet where an equall poise of hope, and feare 
 Does arbitrate th' event, my nature is 
 That I encline to hope, rather then feare 
 And gladly banish squint suspicion. 
 My sister is not so defencelesse lest 
 As you imagine, she has a hidden strength 
 Which you remember not. 
 SEC. BRO. What hidden strength 
 Unlesse the strength of heav'n, if meane that? 
 ELD. BRO. I meane that too, but yet a hidden strength 
 Which if heav'n gave it, may be term'd her owne: 
 'Tis chastitie, my brother, chastitie: 
 She that has that, is clad in compleat Steele, 
 And like a quiver'd nymph with arrowes keene 
 May trace huge forrests, and unharbour'd heaths 
 Infamous hills, and sandy perillous wilds 
 Where through the sacred rays of chastitie 
 No savage fierce, bandite, or mountaneere 
 Will dare to soyle her virgin puritie 
 Yea there, where very desolation dwells 
 By grots, and caverns shag'd with horrid shades 
 She may passe on with nnblench't majestie 
 12 
 
Be it not done in pride, or in presumption. COMUS 
 
 Some say no evill thing that walks by night A Maske 
 
 In fog, or fire, by lake, or moorish fen 
 Blew meager hag, or stubbome unlayd ghost 
 That breaks his magicke chaines at curfeu time 
 No goblin, or swart Faerie of the mine 
 Has hurtfull power ore true virginity. 
 Doe yee beleeve me yet, or shall I call 
 Antiquity from the old schools of Greece 
 To testifie the armes of Chastitie? 
 Hence had the huntresse Dian her dred bow 
 Faire silver-shafted Queene for ever chast 
 Wherewith we tam'd the brinded lionesse 
 And spotted mountaine pard, but set at nought 
 The frivolous bolt of Cupid, gods and men 
 Fear'd her sterne frowne, & she was queen oth* woods. 
 What was that snakie headed Gorgon sheild 
 That wife Minerva wore, unconquer'd virgin 
 Wherewith she freez'd her foes to congeal'd stone? 
 But rigid looks of Chast austeritie 
 And noble grace that dash't brute violence 
 With sudden adoration, and blancke aw. 
 So deare to heav'n is saintly chastitie 
 That when a soule is found sincerely so, 
 A thousand liveried angels lackie her 
 Driving farre off each thing of sinne, and guilt, 
 And in cleere dreeme, and solemne vision 
 Tell her of things that no grosse eare can heare, 
 Till oft converse with heav'nly habitants 
 Begin to cast a beame on th' outward shape 
 The unpolluted temple of the mind 
 And turnes it by degrees to the souls essence 
 Till all bee made immortall; but when lust 
 By unchast looks, loose gestures, and foule talke 
 But most by lend, and lavish act of sin 
 Lets in defilement to the inward parts, 
 The soule growes clotted by contagion, 
 Imbodies, and imbrutes, till she quite loose 
 
 13 
 
COMUS The divine propertie of her first being. 
 
 A Maske Such are those thick, and gloomie shadows damp 
 
 Oft seene in ChameU vaults, and Sepulchers 
 
 Hovering, and sitting by a new made grave 
 
 As loath to leave the body that it lov'd, 
 
 And link't it selfe by camall sensualitie 
 
 To a degenerate and degraded state. 
 
 SEC. BRO. How charming is divine Philosophie! 
 
 Not harsh, and crabbed as dull fools suppose, 
 
 But musicall as is Apollo's lute, 
 
 And a perpetuall feast of nectar'd sweets 
 
 Where no crude surfet raigns. 
 
 ELD. BKO. List, list I heare 
 
 Some farre off hallow breake the silent aire. 
 
 SEC. BRO. Me thought so too, what should it be? 
 
 ELD. BRO. For certaine 
 
 Either some one like ns night founder'd here, 
 
 Or else some neighbour wood man, or at worst 
 
 Some roaving robber calling to his fellows. 
 
 SEC. BRO. Heay'n keepe my sister, agen agen and neere, 
 
 Best draw, and stand upon our guard. 
 
 ELD. BRO. He hallow, 
 
 If he be friendly he comes well, if not 
 
 Defence is a good canse, and Heay'n be for as. 
 
 THE ATTENDANT SPIRIT HABITED LIKE A 
 SHEPHEARD. 
 
 That hallow I should know, what are you, speake. 
 Come not too neere, you fall on iron stakes else. 
 SPIRIT. What voice is that, my yong Lord? speak agen. 
 SEC. BRO. O brother 'tis my father Shepheard sure. 
 ELD. BRO. Thyrsis? whose artf ull strains have oft delayd 
 The huddling brook to heare his madhgale, 
 And sweeten'd every muskrose of the dale, 
 How cam'st thou here good Swaine, hath any ram 
 Slip't from the fold, or yong kid lost his dam. 
 Or straggling weather the pen't flock forsook, 
 How couldst thou find this darke sequester'd nook? 
 14 
 
SPIRIT. O my lov'd masters heire, and his next joy COMUS 
 
 I came not here on such a triviall toy A Maske 
 
 As a strayd Ewe, or to pursue the stealth . 
 
 Of pilfering wolfe, not all the fleecie wealth 
 
 That doth enrich these downs is worth a thought 
 
 To this my errand, and the care it brought 
 
 But 6 [oh] my virgin Ladie where is she, 
 
 How chance she is not in your companie? 
 
 ELD. BRO. To tell thee sadly shepheard, without blame 
 
 Or our neglect, wee lost her as wee came. 
 
 SPIRIT. Aye me unhappie then my fears are true. 
 
 ELD. BRO. Whatf ears good Thyrsis? prethee briefly shew. 
 
 SPIRIT. He tell you, 'tis not vaine, or fabulous 
 
 (Though so esteem'd by shallow ignorance) 
 
 What the sage Poets taught by th' heav'nly Muse 
 
 Storied of old in high immortall verse 
 
 Of dire Chimera's and inchanted lies 
 
 And rifted rocks whose entrance leads to hell, 
 
 For such there be, but unbeliefe is blind. 
 
 j§^ Within the navill of this hideous wood 
 
 Immur'd in cypresse shades a Sorcerer dwells 
 
 Of Bacchus, and of Circe borne, great Comus, 
 
 Deepe skill'd in all his mother's witcheries, 
 
 And here to every thirstie wanderer 
 
 By slie enticement gives his banefull cup 
 
 With many murmurs mixt, whose pleasing poison 
 
 The visage quite transforms of him that drinks, 
 
 And the inglorious likenesse of a beast 
 
 Fixes instead, unmoulding reasons mintage 
 
 Character'd in the face; this have I leam't 
 
 Tending my flocks hard by i' th hilly crofts 
 
 That brow this bottome glade, whence night by night 
 
 He and his monstrous rout are heard to howle 
 
 Like stabl'd wolves, or tigers at their prey 
 
 Doing abhorred rites to Hecate 
 
 In their obscured haunts of inmost bowres. 
 
 Yet have they many baits, and guilefull spells 
 
 T' inveigle, and invite th' unwarie sense 
 
 15 
 
COMUS Of them that passe unweeting by the way. 
 
 A Maske This evening late by then the chewing flocks 
 Had ta'ne their supper on the favourite herbe 
 Of Knot-grass dew- besprent, and were in fold 
 I sate me downe to watch upon a bank 
 With ivie canopied, and interwove 
 With flaunting hony-suckle, and began 
 Wrapt in a pleasing fit of melancholy 
 To meditate my rural minstrelsie 
 Till fancie had her fill, but ere a close 
 The wonted roare was up amidst the woods, 
 And filld the aire with barbarous dissonance 
 At which I ceas't, and listen'd them a while 
 Till an unusual stop of sudden silence 
 Gave respit to the drowsie frighted steeds 
 That draw the litter of close-curtain'd sleepe. 
 At last a soft, and solemne breathing sound 
 Rose like a steame of rich distill'd Perfumes 
 And stole upon the aire, that even Silence 
 Was tooke ere she was ware, and wish't she might 
 Deny her nature, and be never more 
 Still to be so displac't. I was all eare, 
 And took in strains that might create a scale 
 Under the ribs of Death, but 6 [oh] ere long 
 Too well I did perceive it was the voice 
 Of my most honour'd Lady your dear sister. 
 Amaz'd I stood, harrow'd with griefe and feare, 
 And 6 [oh] poore haplesse nightingale thought I 
 How sweet thou sing'st, how neere the deadly snare! 
 Then downe the lawns I ran with headlong hast 
 Through paths, and turnings often trod by day 
 Till guided by my eare I found the place 
 Where that dam'd wisard hid in slie disguise 
 (For so by certain signs I knew) had met 
 Alreadie, ere my best speed could prxvent 
 The aidlesse innocent Ladie his wish't prey, 
 Who gently ask't if he had seene such two 
 Supposing him some neighbour villager; 
 16 
 
Longer I durst not stay, but scene I guess't COMUS 
 
 Yee were the two she mean't, with that I sprung A Maske 
 
 Into swift flight till I had found you here, 
 But farther know I not. 
 SEC. BRO. O night and shades 
 How are yee joyn'd with hell in triple knot 
 Against th' unarmed weaknesse of one virgin 
 Alone, and helplesse! is this the confidence 
 You gave me brother? 
 ELD. BRO. Yes, and keep it still, 
 Leane on it safely, not a period 
 Shall be unsaid for me; against the threats 
 Of malice or of sorcerie, or that power 
 Which erring men call Chance, this I hold firme, 
 Vertue may be assaiVd, but never hurt, 
 Surpriz'd by unjust force, but not enthrall'd. 
 Yea even that which mischiefe meant most harme, 
 Shall in the happie triall prove most glorie. 
 But evill on it selfe shall backe recoyle 
 And mixe no more with goodnesse, when at last 
 Gathered like scum, and setl'd to it selfe 
 It shall bee in eternall restlesse change 
 Selfe fed, and selfe consimi'd, if this faile 
 The pillar'd firmanent is rottennesse, 
 And earths base built on stubble. But come let's on. 
 Against th' opposing will and arme of heav'n 
 May never this just sword be lifted up. 
 But for that damn'd magician, let him be girt 
 With all the greisly legions that troope 
 Under the sootie flag of Acheron, 
 Harpyies and Hydra's, or all the monstrous bugs 
 'Twixt Africa, and Inde, He find him out 
 And force him to restore his purchase backe 
 Or drag him by the curies, and cleave his scalpe 
 Downe to the hipps. 
 SPIRIT. Alas good ventrous youth, 
 I love thy courage yet, and bold Emprise, 
 But here thy sword can doe thee little stead, 
 
 17 
 
COMUS Farre other arms, and other weapons must 
 A Maske Be those that quell the might of hellish charms, 
 He with his bare wand can unthred thy joynts 
 And crumble all thy sinewes. 
 ELD. BRO. Why prethee shepheard 
 How durst thou then thy selfe approach so ntore 
 As to make this relation? 
 SPIRIT. Care and utmost shifts 
 How to secure the Ladie from surprisall 
 Brought to my mind a certaine shepheard lad 
 Of sn^all regard to see to, yet well skill'd 
 In every vertuous plant, and healing herbe 
 That spreds her verdant leafe to th' morning ray, 
 He lov'd me well, and oft would beg me sing, 
 Which when I did, he on the tender grasse 
 Would sit, and hearken even to extasie. 
 And in requital! ope his leathern scrip. 
 And shew me simples of a thousand names 
 Telling their strange, and vigorous faculties, 
 Amongst the rest a small unsightly root. 
 But of divine effect, he cull'd me out; 
 The leafe was darkish, and had prickles on it. 
 But in another Countrie, as he said, 
 Bore a bright golden flowre, but not in this soyle: 
 Unknowne, and like esteem'd, and the doll swayne 
 Treads on it dayly with his clouted shoone, 
 And yet more med'cinall is it then that Moly 
 That Hermes once to wise Ulysses gave, 
 He caird it Hsemony, and gave it me 
 And bad me keepe it as of soveraine use 
 'Gainst all inchantments, mildew blast, or damp 
 Or gastly furies apparition; 
 I purs't it up, but little reck'ning made 
 Till now that this extremity compell'd. 
 But now I find it true, for by this means 
 I knew the foule inchanter though disgois'd, 
 Enter'd the very lime twigs of his spells, 
 And yet came off, if you have this about you 
 18 
 
(As I will give you when wee goe) you may COMUS 
 
 Boldly assault the necromancers hall, A Maske 
 
 Where if he be, with dauntlesse hardihood 
 
 And brandish't blade rush on him, breake his glasse, 
 
 And shed the lushious liquor on the ground 
 
 But sease his wand, though he and his curst crew 
 
 Feirce signe of battaile make, and menace high, 
 
 Or like the sons of Vulcan vomit smoake, 
 
 Yet will they soone retire, if he but shrinke. 
 
 ELD. BRO. Thyrsis lead on apace He follow thcc, 
 
 And some good angell beare a sheild before us. 
 
 The Scene Changes to a stately palace set out with all 
 manner of deliciousnesse, soft musicke, tables spred 
 with all dainties. Comus appeares with his rabble, and 
 the Ladie set in an inchanted chaire to whom he offers 
 his glasse, which she puts by, and goes about to rise. 
 
 COMUS. Nay Ladie sit; if I but wave this wand, 
 
 Your nerves are all chain'd up in alabaster, 
 
 And you a statue; or as Daphne was 
 
 Root bound that fled Apollo. 
 
 LADIE. Foole doe not boast. 
 
 Thou canst not touch the freedome of my mind 
 
 With all thy charms, although this corporall rind 
 
 Thou hast immanacl'd, while heav'n sees good. 
 
 COMUS. Why are you vext Ladie, why doe you frowne? 
 
 Here dwell no frowns, nor anger, from these gates 
 
 Sorrow flies farre: see here be all the pleasurs 
 
 That fancie can beget on youthfull thoughts 
 
 When the fresh blood grows lively, and returns 
 
 Brisk as the April buds in primrose season. 
 
 And first behold this cordial julep here 
 
 That flames, and dances in his crystall bounds 
 
 With spirits of balme, and fragrant syrops mixt. 
 
 Not that Nepenthes which the wife of Thone 
 
 In JEgyjii gave to Jove borne Helena 
 
 Is of such power to stirre up joy as this, 
 
 To life so friendly, or so coole to thirst. 
 
 19 
 
COMUS Why should you be so crucll to your selfe, 
 A Maske And to those daintie hmms which nature lent 
 For gentle usage, and soft delicacic? 
 But you invert the cov'nants of her trust, 
 And harshly deale like an ill borrower 
 With that which you rcceiv'd on other termes, 
 Scorning the unexempt condition, 
 By which all mortall frailty must subsist. 
 Refreshment after toilc, ease after paine, 
 That have been tir d all day without repast. 
 And timely rest have wanted, but iaire virgin 
 This will restore all scone. 
 LADIE. T* will not false traitor, 
 T'wiU not restore the truth and honestie 
 That thou hast banish't from thy tongue with lies, 
 Was this the cottage, and the safe abode 
 Thou told St me of? what grim asp>ects are these, 
 These ougly-headed monsters? Mercie guard me! 
 Hence with thy brewd inchantments foule deceiver 
 Hast thou betray'd my credulous innocence 
 With visor'd falshood, and base forgerie. 
 And wouldst thou seek againe to trap me here 
 With lickerish baits fit to ensnare a brute? 
 Were it a draft for Juno when she banquets 
 I would not tast thy treasonous offer; none 
 But such as are good men can give good things, 
 And that which is not good, is not delidous 
 To a wel-govem'd and wise appetite. 
 COMUS. O foolishnesse of men! that lend their 
 To those budge doctors of the Stoick furre, 
 And fetch their praecepts from the Cynick tub, 
 Praising the leane, and sallow Abstinence. 
 Wherefore did Nature powre her bounties forth 
 With such a full and unwithdrawing hand. 
 Covering the earth with odours, fruits, and flocks 
 Thronging the seas with spawne innumerable 
 But all to please, and sate the curious tast? 
 And set to work milhons of spinning worms, 
 20 
 
That in their green shops weave the smooth-hair 'd silk COMUS 
 
 To deck her Sons, and that no comer might A Maske 
 
 Be vacant of her plentie in her owne loyns 
 She hutch't th' all worshipt ore and precious gems 
 To store her children with ; if all the world 
 Should in a pet of temperance feed on Pulse, 
 Drink the clear streame, and nothing weare but Freize, 
 Th' all-giver would be unthank't, would be unprais'd, 
 Not halfe his riches known, and yet despis'd, 
 And we should serve him as a grudging master, 
 As a penurious niggard of his wealth, 
 And live like Natures bastards, not her sons, 
 Who would be quite surcharg'd with her own weight, 
 And strangl'd with her wast fertilitie; 
 Th' earth cumber'd, and the wing'd aire dark't with plumes, 
 The heards would over-multitude their Lords, 
 The sea ore-fraught would swell, and th' unsought diamonds 
 Would so emblaze the forehead of the Deep, 
 And so bestudde with stars that they below 
 Would grow inur'd to light, and come at last 
 To gaze upon the Sun with shameless brows. 
 List Ladie be not coy, and be not cosen'd 
 With that same vaunted name Virginitie, 
 Beautie is natures coine, must not be hoorded, 
 But must be currant, and the good thereof 
 Consists in mutuall and parktaken blisse, 
 Unsavourie in th' injoyment of it selfe 
 If you let slip time, like a neglected rose 
 It withers on the stalke with languish't head. 
 Beautie is nature's brag, and must be showne 
 In courts, at feasts, and high solemnities 
 Where most may wonder at the workmanship; 
 It is for homely features to keepe home. 
 They had their name thence; course complexions 
 And cheeks of sorry graine will serve to ply 
 The sampler, and to teize the huswifes wooU. 
 What need a vermeil-tinctur'd lip for that 
 Love-darting eyes, or tresses like the Mome 
 
 21 
 
COMUS There was another meaning in these gifts? 
 
 A Maske Thinke what, and be adviz'd, you are but yong yet 
 LADIE. I had not thought to have unlockt my lips 
 In this unhallow'd aire, but that this Jugler 
 Would thinke to charme my judgement, as mine eyes 
 Obtruding false rules pranckt in reasons garbe. 
 I hate when vice can bolt her arguments 
 And vertue has no tongue to check her pride: 
 Impostor doe not charge most innocent nature 
 As if she would her children should be riotous 
 With her abundance, she good cateresse 
 Means her provision only to the good 
 That live according to her sober laws 
 And holy dictate of spare Temperance, 
 If every just man that now pines with want 
 Had but a moderate, and beseeming share 
 Of that which lewdy-pamper'd Luxurie 
 Now heaps upon some few with vast excesse. 
 Natures full blessings would be well dispenc't 
 In unsuperfluous even proportion, 
 And she no whit encomber'd with her store, 
 And then the giver would be better thank't. 
 His praise due paid, for swinish gluttony 
 Ne're looks to heav n amidst his gorgeous feast, 
 But with besotted base ingratitude 
 Cramms, and blasphemes his feeder. Shall I goe on? 
 Or have 1 said enough? to him that dares 
 Arme his profane tongue with reproachfuU words 
 Against the Sun-clad power of Chastitie 
 Faine would I something say, yet to what end? 
 Thou hast nor Eare, nor Soule to apprehend 
 The sublime notion and high mysterie 
 J That must be utter'd to unfold the sage 
 
 And serious doctrine of Virginitie, 
 And thou art worthy that thou shonldst not know 
 More happinesse then this thy praesent lot 
 Enjoy your deere Wit, and gay Rhetorick 
 That hath so well beene taught her dazling fence, 
 22 
 
Thou art not fit to hearc thy sclfc convinc't; COMUS 
 
 Yet should I trie, the uncontrouled worth A Maske 
 
 Of this pure cause would kindle my rapt spirits 
 
 To such a flame of sacred vehemence, 
 
 That dumb things would be mov'd to sympathize. 
 
 And the brute ^rth would lend her nerves, and shake, 
 
 Till all thy magick structures rear'd so high 
 
 Were shatter'd into heaps ore thy false head. 
 
 COMUS. She fables not, I feele that I doe feare 
 
 Her words set off by some superior power; 
 
 And though not mortall, yet a cold shuddring dew 
 
 Dips me all ore, as when the wrath of Jove 
 
 Speaks thunder, and the chaines of Erebus 
 
 To some of Saturns crew. I must dissemble, 
 
 And try her yet more strongly. Come; no more, 
 
 This is meere morall babble, and direct 
 
 Against the canon laws of our foundation, 
 
 I must not suffer this, yet 'tis but the lees 
 
 And setlings of a melancholy blood; 
 
 But this will cure all streight, one sip of this 
 
 Will bathe the drooping spirits in delight 
 
 Beyond the blisse of dreams. Be wise, and tast. — 
 
 The brothers rush in with swords drawne, wrest his 
 glasse out of his hand, and breake it against the ground ; 
 his rout make signe of resistance, but are all driven in; 
 the attendant Spirit comes in. 
 
 SPIRIT. What, have you let the false enchanter scape? 
 O yee mistooke, yee should have snatcht his wand 
 And bound him fast; without his rod revers't, 
 And backward mutters of dissevering power 
 Wee cannot free the Ladie that sits here 
 In stonie fetters fixt, and motionlesse; 
 Yet stay, be not disturb'd, now I bethinke me. 
 Some other meanes I have which may be us'd. 
 Which once of Melibasus old I learnt 
 The soothest shepheard that ere pipe't on plains. 
 jg^ There is a gentle nymph not farre from hence 
 
 23 
 
COMUS That with moist curb sways the smooth Severn stream, 
 
 A Maske Sabrina is her name, a virgin pure, 
 
 Whilome shee was the daughter of Locrine, 
 
 That had the scepter from his father Brute. 
 
 She guiltlesse damsell flying the mad pursuit 
 
 Of her enraged stepdam Guendolen 
 
 Commended her faire innocence to the flood 
 
 That stay'd her flight with his crosse-flowing course, 
 
 The water Nymphs that in the bottome playd 
 
 Held up their pearled wrists and tooke her in, 
 
 Bearing her straite to aged Nereus hall 
 
 Who piteous of her woes reard her lanke head. 
 
 And gave her to his daughters to imbathe 
 
 In nectar'd lavers strewd with asphodil, 
 
 And through the porch, and inlet of each sense 
 
 Dropt in ambroisal oyles till she reviv'd. 
 
 And underwent a quicke, immortall change 
 
 Made goddesse of the river; still she retaines 
 
 Her maiden gentlenesse, and often at eve 
 
 Visits the heards along the twilight meadows, 
 
 Helping all urchin blasts, and ill lucke signes 
 
 That the shrewd medling elfe delights to make, 
 
 Which she with precious viold liquors heales. 
 
 For which the shepheards at their festivalls 
 
 Carroll her goodnesse lowd in msticke layes. 
 
 And throw sweet garland wreaths into her streame 
 
 Of pancies, pinks, and gaudie daffadills. 
 
 And, as the old Swaine said, she can unlocke 
 
 The clasping charme, and thaw the numming spell, 
 
 U she be right invok't in warbled Song, 
 
 For maidenhood she loves, and will be swift 
 
 To aid a virgin such as was her selfe 
 
 In hard besetting need, this will I trie 
 
 And adde the power of some adjuring verse. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Sabrina faire 
 
 Listen where thou art sitting 
 24 
 
Under the glassie, coole, translucent wave, COMUS 
 
 In twisted braids of lillies knitting A Maske 
 
 The loose traine of thy amber-dropping haire, 
 Listen for deare honours sake 
 Goddesse of the silver lake 
 Listen and save. 
 
 Listen and appeare to us 
 In name of great Oceanus, 
 By th' earth shaking Neptun's mace 
 And Tethys grave magesticke pace, 
 By hoarie Nereus wrincled looke. 
 And the Carpathian wisards hooke. 
 By scalie Tritons winding shell. 
 And old sooth saying Glaucus spell. 
 By Leucothea's lovely hands, 
 And her son that rules the strands. 
 By Thetis tinsel-slipper'd feet; 
 And the songs of Sirens sweet, 
 By dead Parthenope's deare tomb, 
 And faire Ligea's golden comb, 
 Wherewith she sits on diamond rocks 
 Sleeking her soft alluring locks, 
 By all the Nymphs that nightly dance 
 Upon thy streams with wilie glance. 
 Rise, rise and heave thy rosie head 
 From thy coral-paven bed. 
 And bridle in thy headlong wave 
 Till thou our summons answerd have. 
 Listen and save. 
 
 SABRINA RISES ATTENDED BY WATER 
 NIMPHES AND SINGS. 
 
 By the rushie fringed banke, 
 
 Where growes the willow and the osier dancke 
 
 My sliding chariot stayes, 
 Thicke set with agat, and the azume sheene 
 Of turkkis blew, and Emrould greene 
 
 25 
 
COMUS That in the channcll straycs, 
 
 A Maske Whilst from off the waters fleet 
 Thus I set my printlesse feet 
 Ore the cowslips velvet head, 
 
 That bends not as I tread. 
 Gentle swaine at thy request 
 I am here. 
 
 SPIRIT. Goddcsse deare 
 
 Wee implore thy powerfuU hand 
 
 To undoe the charmed band 
 
 Of true virgin here distrest, 
 
 Through the force, and through the wile 
 
 Of unblcst inchanter vile. 
 
 SABRINA. Shepheard tis my office best 
 
 To helpe insnared chastitie; 
 
 Brightest Ladie looke on me, 
 
 Thus I sprinckle on thy brest 
 
 Drops that from my fountaine pure 
 
 I have kept of precious cure, 
 
 Thrice upon thy fingers tip, 
 
 Thrice upon thy rubied lip. 
 
 Next this marble venom 'd seate 
 
 Smear'd with gummcs of glutenous heate 
 
 I touch with chast palmes moist and cold, 
 
 Now the spell hath lost his hold. 
 
 And I must hast ere morning houre 
 
 To waite in Amphitrite's bowre. 
 
 SABRINA DESCENDS AND THE LADIE RISES 
 OUT OF HER SEATE. 
 
 SPIRIT. Virgin, daughter of Locrine 
 Sprung of old Anchises line 
 May thy brimmed waves for this 
 Their full tribute never misse 
 From a thousand pettie rills. 
 That tumble downe the snowie hills: 
 Summer drouth, or singed aire 
 26 
 
Never scorch thy tresses faire, COMUS 
 
 Nor wet Octobers torrent flood A Maske 
 
 Thy molten crystall fill with mudde, 
 
 May thy billowes rowlc a shoare 
 
 The beryll, and the golden ore, 
 
 May thy loftie head be crown'd 
 
 With many a tower, and terrasse round, 
 
 And here and there thy banks upon 
 
 With groves of myrrhe, and cinnamon. 
 
 ^^ Come Ladle while heaven lends us grace, 
 
 Let us fly this cursed place, 
 
 Lest the sorcerer us intice 
 
 With some other new device. 
 
 Not a wast, or needlesse sound 
 
 Till we come to holyer ground, 
 
 I shall be your faithfull guide 
 
 Through this gloomie covert wide, 
 
 And not many furlongs thence 
 
 Is your Fathers residence, 
 
 Where this night are met in state 
 
 Many a friend to gratulate 
 
 His wish't presence, and beside 
 
 All the Swains that there abide. 
 
 With Jiggs, and rurall dance resort. 
 
 Wee shall catch them at their sport. 
 
 And our suddaine comming there 
 
 Will double all their mirth, and chere. 
 
 Come let us hast the starrs are high 
 
 But night sits monarch yet in the mid skie. 
 
 The Scene changes presenting Ludlow towne and the 
 Presidents Castle, then come in Countrie dancers, after 
 them the attendant Spirit with the two Brothers and 
 the Ladie. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 SPIRIT. Back shepheards, back enough your play. 
 Till next Sun-shine holiday, 
 
 27 
 
COMUS Here be without duck or nod, 
 A Maske Other trippings to be trod 
 
 Of lighter toes, and such Court guise 
 
 As Mercury did first deviae 
 
 With the mincing Dryades 
 
 On the lawns, and on the leas. 
 
 THIS SECOND SONG PRJBSENTS THEM TO 
 THEIR FATHER AND MOTHER. 
 
 Noble Lord, and Lady bright, 
 I have brought yee new delight. 
 Here behold so goodly growne, 
 Three faire branches of your owne, 
 Heavn hath timely tri'd their youth, 
 Their faith, their patience, and their truth, 
 And sent them here through hard assays 
 With a crowne of deathlesse Praise, 
 To triumph in victorious dance 
 Ore sensuall Folly, and Intemperance. 
 
 THE DANCES ENDED, THE SPIRIT 
 EPILOGIZES. 
 
 SPIRIT. To the Ocean now I flie, 
 And those happie climes that lie 
 Where day never shuts his eye. 
 Up in the broad fields of the skie: 
 There I suck the liquid ayre 
 All amidst the gardens faire 
 Of Hesperus, and his daughters three 
 That sing about the golden tree. 
 Along the crisped shades, and bowres 
 Rcvclls the spruce and jocond Spring, 
 The Graces, and the rosie-bosom'd Howres 
 Thither all their bounties bring, 
 That there aetcrnall Summer dwells 
 And west winds, with muskie wing 
 About the cedar n alleys fling 
 Nard, and Cassia s balmie smells. 
 28 
 
Iris there with humid bow COMUS 
 
 Waters the odorous banks that blow A Maske 
 
 Flowers of more mingled hew 
 
 Then her purfl'd scarfe can shew, 
 
 And drenches with Elysian dew 
 
 (List mortalls, if your eares be true) 
 
 Beds of Hyacinth, and roses, 
 
 Where young Adonis oft reposes, 
 
 Waxing well of his deepe wound 
 
 In slumber soft, and on the ground 
 
 Sadly sits th' Assyrian Queene; 
 
 But farre above in spangled sheene 
 
 Celestiall Cupid her fam'd Son advanc't, 
 
 Holds his deare Psyche sweet intranc't 
 
 After her wandring labours long. 
 
 Till free consent the gods among 
 
 Make her his aetemall Bride, 
 
 And from her faire unspotted side 
 
 Two blissfuU twins are to be borne, 
 
 Youth, and Joy; so Jove hath swome. 
 
 jg^ But now my taske is smoothly done, 
 
 I can fly, or I can run 
 
 Quickly to the greene earths end. 
 
 Where the bow'd welkin slow doth bend, 
 
 And from thence can soare as soone 
 
 To the corners of the Moone. 
 
 0J^ Mortalls that would follow me, 
 
 I^ve vertue, she alone is free. 
 
 She can teach yee how to clime 
 
 Higher then the Sphserie chime; 
 
 Or if vertue feeble were 
 
 Heav'n it self e would stoope to her. 
 
 29 
 
THEPRINCIPALLPERSONSINTHISMASKE;WERE 
 
 THE LORD BRACLY, MR. THOMAS EGERTON. 
 THE LADY ALICE EGERTON. 
 
 THE END. 
 
HERE ENDS COMUS. A MASKE, BY JOHN MILTON. 
 
 ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY COPIES HAVE BEEN 
 PRINTED FROM THE ORIGINAL EDITION OF 1637, 
 WITH TITLE PAGES DESIGNED BY H. M. OKANE. 
 PRINTEDANDSOLDBYCLARKECONWELLATTHE 
 ELSTON PRESS, PELHAM ROAD, NEW ROCHELLE, 
 NEW YORK. FINISHEDTHISTWENTIETHDAYOF 
 
 MARCH. MDCCCCII. 
 
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